T.J. Watt Hospitalized for Lung Discomfort Amid Steelers' Season

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt was hospitalized on December 10 after experiencing discomfort related to his lungs during practice. The team confirmed the situation in a statement released the following day.

“T.J. Watt is currently in a local hospital for further medical evaluation of his lung after experiencing discomfort at the practice facility on Wednesday,” the statement read. “He will not be at practice on Thursday, and his status for Monday night’s game against Miami is uncertain. Coach Tomlin will provide more updates at the appropriate time.”

Reports indicate that Watt, 31, initially reported the issue while undergoing unspecified treatment prior to his hospitalization, as noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

A four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Watt recently played against the Baltimore Ravens, where he recorded six tackles, including one for loss. He is currently in the first year of a lucrative three-year, $123 million contract extension signed in July.

Watt has been a consistent presence for the Steelers, starting 56 consecutive games for the 7-6 team, which holds a narrow lead over the Ravens in the AFC North. This season, he has tallied seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss, an interception, and three forced fumbles.

Off the field, Watt's life has been equally eventful. He and his wife, Dani, welcomed their first child, daughter Blakely, in March. “Welcome To The World Blakely Marie Watt!” they announced on Instagram, sharing heartwarming photos of the newborn.

Shortly after, Watt celebrated Dani on her first Mother’s Day with a heartfelt message: “Happy 1st Mother’s Day to my amazing wife! Watching you give birth to our baby girl is my greatest honor. I am so thankful and appreciative of all you do for Blakely and I! We love you so much.”

While the Steelers prioritize Watt’s health, his hospitalization comes at a challenging time for the team. Despite leading their division, the Steelers' inconsistent performance has intensified scrutiny on Coach Mike Tomlin.

Franchise icon Ben Roethlisberger, who spent most of his career under Tomlin's leadership, hinted at potential changes within the organization. “It’s been talked around here a lot. Maybe it is time to clean the house,” he suggested on his podcast earlier this month. “I like Coach Tomlin and have a lot of respect for him, but maybe it’s best for him too.”

Adding to the discourse, former teammate James Harrison expressed doubts about Tomlin's coaching effectiveness during a recent podcast episode. “I have never been a person that thought Coach Tomlin was a great coach,” Harrison stated. “A good coach gets you to play to your potential. Right now, the players we have on that team are not playing up to their potential.”